Epic Fantasy has always been an important part of the Fantasy genre. With the success of movies like Lord of the Rings and most recently the Game of Thrones series, these stories have become popular among the general audience as well. But with their popularity, the lack of diversity in these stories have come under scrutiny. In response, we have created a list of excellent Sword and Soul epic fantasy books, stories based in African/African diaspora history, culture and traditions.
Imaro by Charles R. Saunders
The first Sword and Soul book, written by subgenre founder Charles R. Saunders.
Nyumbani is the Africa of a world other than the one we know – a world in which legend and history are one and the same, as are magic and reality. The vast, diverse continent faces menace on a terrifying scale, perpetrated by the Erriten, sorcerers who seek conquest and domination for themselves, as well as the ultimate ascendance of the unholy deities they serve. For those who are determined to forestall the horrendous aspirations of the Erriten, a weapon is needed – a weapon in the form of a warrior unsurpassed by any other.
Such a weapon must be shaped in the fiercest of heat, and sharpened by the most arduous of circumstances. Only then can the warrior’s promise bear hopes for fulfillment.
This warrior, this weapon of destiny is – Imaro.
Imaro is the first book of a four book series.
Dossouye by Charles R. Saunders
Charles R. Saunders, critically acclaimed author of the cult classic Imaro novels, has created yet another heroic-fantasy icon in an Africa of a different place and time. Orphaned at a young age, Dossouye becomes a soldier in the women’s army of the kingdom of Abomey. In a war against the rival kingdom of Abanti, Dossouye saves her people from certain destruction; but a cruel twist of fate compels her to go into exile. Mounted on her mighty war-bull, Gbo, Dossouye enters the vast rain forest beyond the borders of her homeland, seeking a place to call her own. The forest is where Dossouye will either find a new purpose in life… or find her life cut short by the many menaces she encounters.
Dossouye is the first book of a two book series
Meji by Milton J. Davis
Twins born to a society that believes such a birth is a dangerous omen, Ndoro and Obaseki are separated at birth to live different lives. One becomes a great warrior who is ostracized because of his birth, the other a pampered prince whose strange way results in banishment. Meji is an epic fantasy story like no other, a tale steeped in African culture and traditions told by unforgettable characters.
Changa's Safari by Milton J. Davis
In the 15th century on the African Continent a young prince flees his homeland of Kongo, vowing to seek revenge for the murder of his father and the enslavement of his family and his people. He triumphs over the slavery and the fighting pits of Mogadishu to become a legendary fighter and respected merchant.
From the Swahili cities of the East African Coast to the magnificent Middle Kingdom of Asia, Changa and his crew experience adventures beyond the imagination. Changa will not rest until he has fulfilled his promise to his family and his people. The anchors are raised and the sails unfurled. Let the safari begin!
Changa's Safari is the first book in a five book series.
Once Upon A Time In Afrika by Balogun Ojetade
An exciting Sword and Soul tale by Balogun Ojetade, Once Upon a Time in Afrika Tells the story of a beautiful princess and her eager suitors. Desperate to marry off his beautiful but "tomboyish" duaghter, Esuseeke, the Emperor of Oyo, consults the Oracle. The Oracle tells the Emperor Esuseeke must marry the greatest warrior in all Onile (Afrika). To determine who is the greatest warrior, the Emperor hosts a grand martial arts tournament inviting warrior from all over the continent. Unknown to the warriors and spectators of the tournament a powerful evil is headed their way. Will the warriors band together against this evil?
Woman of the Woods by Milton J. Davis
Woman of the Woods is the story of Sadatina, a girl on the brink of becoming a woman living with her family in Adamusola, the land beyond the Old Men Mountains. But tragic events transpire that change her life forever, revealing a hidden past that leads her into the midst of a war between her people and those that would see them destroyed, the Mosele. Armed with a spiritual weapon and her feline 'sisters,' Sadatina becomes a Shosa, a warrior trained to fight the terrible nyokas, demon-like creatures that aid the Mosele in their war against her people.
Woman of the Woods is an action filled, emotionally charged adventure that expands the scope of the world of Uhuru and introduces another unforgettable character to its heroic legends.
Abengoni: First Calling by Charles R. Saunders
Matile Mala, once the most powerful empire in the black continent of Abengoni, is slipping slowly into decadence, and becoming more and more vulnerable to aggression from the nations and tribes it once dominated. In the capital, Khambawe, ancient rituals endure, dominated by dreams and delusions. As Tiyana, who is both priestess and princess, conducts one such ceremony, known as First Calling, the rite is disrupted by the arrival of a half-wrecked ship from Fiadol, a far-distant land across the sea that is almost forgotten by the Matile. Led by a Seer called Kyroun, the pale-skinned people on the ship seek refuge among the Matile. But the Matile themselves are in need of aid, as they soon come under attack from their ancient enemies, the Uloans, who have flourished while the Matile waned. Along with her father – the High Priest Gebrem –Tiyana marshals the waning forces of Matile magic in conjunction with the powerful new sorcery wielded by Kyroun and his followers in an effort to forestall the threat of imminent annihilation. As the Matile and Uloans clash, other foes of the fading empire wait on the sidelines, like vultures circling a battlefield. The newcomers from Fiadol hold the balance of destruction – and Tiyana must anticipate which way the scale will tip …
Abengoni: First Calling is the first book in a three book series.
Ki Khanga: The Anthology. By Milton J. Davis and Balogun Ojetade
What is Ki Khanga? The answer lies in the pages of this amazing anthology. Balogun Ojetade and Milton Davis define this fascinating world which forms the foundation of the Ki Khanga Sword and Soul Role Playing Game. Prepare yourself for stories of bravery, tragedy, love and adventure. Prepare yourself for Ki Khanga.
Nyumbani Tales by Charles R. Saunders
In Nyumbani Tales, Charles has gathered previously published stories that expand the world of Nyumbani beyond the exciting exploits of his hero, filling in the details of this unique world with the triumphs, failures, loves and losses of the people that inhabit its amazing borders. This is vintage Sword and Sorcery and a must read for all fans of the genre.
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